Tragedy at Bondi Beach: Remembering the Victims of the Sydney Hanukkah Attack

A peaceful Hanukkah celebration turned into a scene of horror when a deadly terror attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia claimed at least 15 lives. Among those killed were a 10-year-old child, Holocaust survivors, and community pillars who had gathered to celebrate the Jewish holiday. Australian authorities identified the perpetrators as a father-son duo inspired by ISIS, with the father killed at the scene and the son wounded by police. The attack has sent shockwaves through the global community, with many world leaders condemning this act of antisemitic violence that struck during what should have been a joyous celebration.

The youngest victim, Matilda Britvan, was just 10 years old when her life was tragically cut short. Described by her aunt as “a happy kid” who was “open-hearted” and “like a sun” wherever she went, Matilda was enjoying the Hanukkah celebrations with her six-year-old sister when the gunmen opened fire. Despite being rushed to the hospital, she couldn’t be saved. Her teacher established a memorial fund, remembering her as “a bright, joyful, and spirited child who brought light to everyone around her.” Among the elderly victims were Alex Kleytman, an 87-year-old Holocaust survivor from Ukraine, who died shielding his wife Larisa—also a Holocaust survivor—from the gunmen’s bullets. The couple had been married for 57 years. “I have no husband. I don’t know where is his body. Nobody can give me any answer,” Larisa told reporters outside a Sydney hospital, describing how her husband pushed his body up to protect her in his final moments.

Community leaders and devoted public servants were also among those lost. Rabbi Eli Schlanger, assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi and a key organizer of the “Chanukah by the Sea” event, had served as a rabbi and chaplain for the Bondi community for 18 years. In September, he had written to the Australian Prime Minister urging him “not to betray the Jewish people,” a letter that has gained renewed attention following the attack. Boris and Sofia Gurman, a Russian-Jewish couple who would have celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary in January, confronted one of the gunmen before the attack began. While they momentarily disarmed him, the assailant grabbed another rifle and killed the couple. Their memorial fund describes them as “people of deep kindness, quiet strength, and unwavering care for others” who died in an act of bravery, attempting to protect others even at great personal risk.

The loss of community stalwarts has left enormous voids in Sydney’s Jewish community. Edith Brutman served as vice president of an anti-prejudice and anti-discrimination committee and was remembered as “a very clever lady” who was “passionate about dealing with prejudice and discrimination.” Her family described her as “a woman of integrity who chose humanity, every day. She met prejudice with principle, and division with service.” Rabbi Yaakov Levitan, who served as secretary of the Sydney Beth Din and was deeply involved in Chabad operations, was described as “a profoundly beloved and active member of the Sydney Jewish community” and “a man of quiet devotion, known for his kindness and tireless work in assisting others.” His murder has left “an irreplaceable void” for his family, as he was “a devoted husband and father” and “the cornerstone of his family.”

The attack claimed victims from diverse backgrounds, including some who were simply there working or supporting the community. Dan Elkayam, a 27-year-old French national and soccer player for the Rockdale Ilinden Football Club, was mourned by French President Emmanuel Macron and his football club, which remembered him as someone who “loved the Australian way of life” with a “smiling face and respectful nature.” Peter Meagher, a retired detective sergeant with the NSW Police and member of the Randwick Rugby Club, was working as a freelance photographer at the Hanukkah event. His rugby club called him “a much loved figure and absolute legend in our club,” while his family expressed being “heartbroken by the loss of our beloved Peter,” whose “kindness, generosity and love touched everyone who knew him.”

The attack also claimed the lives of several elderly community members who had devoted themselves to service. Reuven Morrison, 62, who had migrated from the USSR to Australia, died trying to protect his community, charging unarmed toward the gunmen despite the danger. Described as a successful businessman “whose main goal was to give away his earnings to charities,” he was deeply connected to the community despite living in Melbourne. Tibor Weitzen, 78, known as the congregation’s beloved “candyman” who “brought joy and smiles to everyone,” died while trying to shield his loved ones. His granddaughter remembered him as someone who “was so proud of us and loved us more than life itself. He only saw the best in people.” Marika Pogany, 82, had served for 29 years as a volunteer with COA Sydney, a service for Jewish seniors. She was described as “part of the beating heart of COA” who “lifted the room simply by being in it” and had delivered 12,000 kosher Meals on Wheels over more than two decades, showing “what true service looks like” without ever wanting attention for herself.